Pakistan’s fish exports hit record $570 million as EU confidence returns

The breakthrough has been supported by the return of Pakistani fishery products to European Union markets, where their presence on store shelves

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s seafood industry has achieved a major export milestone, with fish and fishery products reaching a record value of around $570 million during fiscal year 2025-26, reflecting growing international demand and renewed confidence in Pakistani seafood.

The breakthrough has been supported by the return of Pakistani fishery products to European Union markets, where their presence on store shelves has helped rebuild the country’s reputation among international buyers and brands.

The Marine Fisheries Department has said Pakistan could substantially increase its seafood export earnings by shifting from the shipment of raw products toward value-added fishery products. According to the department, greater investment in processing, packaging and product development could potentially raise annual exports by as much as $3 billion.

Pakistan’s seafood sector has faced significant challenges in international markets over the years. The European Union imposed a ban on Pakistani fishery imports in 2007, while limited access was restored to four companies in 2013. Since then, sustained efforts to improve standards, quality controls and compliance have gradually helped Pakistani exporters regain access to European markets.

Officials believe the latest export figures demonstrate that international confidence in Pakistan’s seafood industry is strengthening. They have stressed the need to capitalize on the country’s diverse marine resources by developing higher-value products rather than relying primarily on exports of raw commodities.

The record-breaking performance is being viewed as an opportunity for Pakistan to expand its global seafood footprint, attract investment in modern processing facilities and generate significantly higher foreign exchange earnings from the fisheries sector.